Exploring Modern Caribbean Jurisprudence with Justice Vasheist Kokaram

In the first episode of Caribbean BenchTalk, host the Honourable Mr. Justice Westmin James, Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago is joined by the Honourable Mr. Justice Vashiest Kokaram JA, of the Court of Appeal of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for a thoughtful conversation on the development of Caribbean jurisprudence and the evolving role of judges across the region. This episode explores how Caribbean courts are shaping a distinct judicial voice within the common law tradition, the influence of different final appellate courts such as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, and the ways in which trial and appellate judges can contribute meaningfully to the growth of regional legal principles. Justice Kokaram, JA reflects on the evolution of Caribbean law, the creative but responsible use of the common law, significant jurisprudential developments, and the importance of principled judicial courage in shaping justice for Caribbean societies. Caribbean BenchTalk connects judicial officers across the Caribbean through conversations on judging, jurisprudence, and the administration of justice.